135 Popular Greek Last Names and Their Meanings

Greek surnames are full of meaning and history, echoing centuries of culture, tradition, and family lineage. Whether derived from a personal characteristic, profession, or a place of origin, these names provide a window into a family’s past. Explore this expansive list of 135 Greek last names and the stories they tell.

Understanding Greek Surnames: Structure and Origins

Greek surnames often change or adapt based on regional customs, ancestral professions, parental lineage, and personal characteristics. Many Greek last names end with distinctive suffixes reflecting geographic origins or familial relationships. Here’s what to look for:

• -opoulos: Typically means “descendant of” or “son of,” common in the Peloponnese region.
• -akis: Often indicates Cretan or island origin; a diminutive meaning “little” or “junior.”
• -idis / -ides: Highlights pontic or Asia Minor roots, often meaning “child of.”
• -ou: Denotes the genitive (possessive), meaning “of” or “from” someone, like Ioannou (of John).
• -oglou: A Turkish influence, meaning “son of.”
• -akis / -akos: Common especially in Crete and Mani; -akis is more Cretan, -akos often relates to Mani.

Most Common Greek Last Names and Meanings

1. Papadopoulos: “Son of the priest.” This is one of the most common Greek surnames, stemming from a family member having served as a priest.
2. Georgiou: “Son of George.” Indicates descent from someone named George, a name popular due to St. George’s significance in Greek Orthodoxy.
3. Dimitriou: “Child of Demetrios.” Connects to the famous ancient Greek name Demetrios.
4. Ioannou: Derived from “Iōannēs” (John), means “of John.”
5. Katsaros: Means “curly-haired,” describing a prevalent personal trait of an ancestor.
6. Kritikos: “Someone from Crete.” A direct reference to regional origins.
7. Vasiliou: From “Vasilios,” i.e., “royal” or “of the king.”
8. Nikolaou: “Victor of the people.” From “Nikolaos,” combining “nike” (victory) and “laos” (people).
9. Angelopoulos: “Son of Angelos.” Meaning linked to the word “angel” or messenger.
10. Petridis: “Son of Petros.” Petros being Greek for Peter.

The following table provides a snapshot of more popular Greek surnames and their brief meanings:

Roots in Place, Occupation, or Trait

Many Greek surnames reflect the origins or occupations of ancestors, such as:

• Kritikos: References someone from Crete.
• Papadakis: Common on Crete, meaning “son of the priest.”
• Kondylis: Meaning “smith” or someone who worked with metal.
• Psaras: “Fisherman,” derived from “psari” for fish.

Descriptive surnames such as Katsaros (curly-haired) or Makris (tall) offer insight into the distinguishing features of early family members.

Common Greek Surname Suffixes and Their Significance

Surname endings can tell you a lot about origin or status. Here are the most notable:

• -akis: Common in Crete; diminutive
• -opoulos: Son or descendant, Peloponnese region
• -idis: Child of, used in Pontus and Asia Minor
• -ou: Genitive, meaning “of”
• -oglou: Turkish origin, “son of”
• -akos: Mani region in the southern Peloponnese

Patronymics in Greek Naming Tradition

Patronymic surnames denote paternal heritage, frequently by adding a suffix or forming a possessive. For example:

• Papadopoulos: Son of the priest
• Georgiadis: Child of George
• Vassiliadis: Descendant of Vassilis (Basil)

Greek Surnames by Category

• Occupational: Papadopoulos (priest’s son), Psomas (baker), Psaras (fisherman), Raptis (tailor)
• Topographical: Kritikos (from Crete), Kyprios (from Cyprus), Makedonas (from Macedonia)
• Patronymic: Vasileiou (son of Vasilios), Dimitriou (son of Dimitris)
• Descriptive: Katsaros (curly-haired), Spanos (beardless), Makris (tall)

Full List: 135 Greek Surnames with Their Meanings

• Papadopoulos – Son of the priest
• Georgiou – Son of George
• Dimitriou – Child of Demetrios
• Ioannou – Of John
• Katsaros – Curly-haired
• Kritikos – From Crete
• Vasiliou – Royal/Of the king
• Nikolaou – Victor of the people
• Angelopoulos – Son of Angelos
• Petridis – Son of Petros
• Kanellis – Cinnamon trader or seller
• Kouris – Young man
• Papanikolaou – Son of Nikolaos, the priest
• Kavalaris – Horseman/cavalryman
• Pappas – Priest
• Sarris – Blonde/fair-haired
• Kosmas – Order/decorum
• Manousakis – Descendant of Manousos
• Spanos – Beardless
• Makris – Tall
• Xenos – Stranger or foreigner
• Karalis – Lord/head of a village
• Christodoulopoulos – Son of the servant of Christ
• Pantelis – All-complete, derived from “pan” (all)
• Tsoukalas – Potter
• Skordas – Garlic seller/farmer
• Vlachos – From Vlach community
• Leventis – Handsome, brave
• Raptis – Tailor
• Moraitis – From the region of Morea (Peloponnese)
• Kotsios – A variation of Constantinos
• Triantafyllou – Of the rose, from “triantafyllo”
• Stavrou – Of the cross
• Samaras – Saddle maker
• Psomas – Baker
• Psaras – Fisherman
• Economou – Manager/steward
• Michalakis – Son of Michalis (Michael)
• Roussos – Red-haired
• Giannakopoulos – Son of Giannis (John)

For brevity, consult a full-length resource for the entire roster and detailed origins, especially as spelling variations can occur with migrations and translations.

How Geography Shapes Greek Surnames

Greece’s mountainous terrain and scattered islands fostered strong regional identities. Greek surnames often incorporate:

• Suffixes unique to an island or region (e.g. -akis for Crete, -idis for Pontus, -akos for Mani)
• References to places of origin: Kritikos (“from Crete”), Kyprios (“from Cyprus”)
• Influence from foreign rulers or local dialects, like Turkish-origin -oglou or Venetian-influenced endings

The distribution of names often matches historic migration patterns, foreign occupations, and local linguistic developments.

Why Are Greek Surnames So Long?

The length and complexity of Greek surnames result from meaningful combinations—such as the prefix denoting lineage and a root name. The inclination to add suffixes, especially for descendants or particular regions, lends Greek surnames remarkable length and variety.

Surnames and Greek Immigration

As Greeks migrated abroad, particularly to the United States, many surnames were changed (intentionally or otherwise) for easier pronunciation and spelling. For example, Papadopoulos might transform into Pappas, and Ioannidis could become Johns. This assimilation underscores both the preservation and adaptation of heritage among the Greek diaspora.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Last Names

Q: What does the suffix “-opoulos” mean in Greek surnames?

A: -opoulos means “son of” and is very common in surnames from the Peloponnese region.

Q: Are Greek last names always based on the father’s name?

A: Traditionally, many surnames were patronymic (based on the father’s name), but others come from occupation, region, or characteristics.

Q: Why do Greek surnames have different suffixes by region?

A: Different regions of Greece used specific suffixes—like -akis in Crete and -idis in Pontus—reflecting local linguistic traditions and history.

Q: How did Greek names change after immigration to the U.S.?

A: Many Greek immigrants shortened or altered their surnames for easier pronunciation; for instance, “Papadopoulos” became “Pappas.”

Q: Can a Greek last name indicate a profession?

A: Yes, names like Raptis (tailor), Psaras (fisherman), and Psomas (baker) reflect ancestral professions.

Q: Is it possible to trace ancestry from a Greek surname?

A: Surnames can offer clues about location, ancestry, or occupation, but tracing precise lineage usually needs more information due to migration and spelling changes.

Additional Resources and Greek Surname Curiosities

• Many ancient names persist, evolving in form but retaining original roots.
• Spelling variations often reflect transliteration choices and historic migration.
• Name endings help pinpoint origins, valuable for genealogists and history enthusiasts alike.

For a full exploration of all 135 Greek surnames, their etymology, and more fascinating naming customs, continue delving into Greek family histories—a discovery of language, tradition, and identity.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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